An Interview with Marybeth Kelly: NRCCUA

Michael F. Shaughnessy - 11.29.09
Senior Columnist EducationNews.org
Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, New Mexico

1)     First of all, what exactly is NRCCUA, where is it located, when was it established, who funds it and who does it do ?

National Research Center for College & University Admissions™ (NRCCUA^®)

NRCCUA operates the nation’s largest college and career planning program, My College Options®.  NRCCUA is a non-profit educational research organization based in Lee’s Summit, MO.  For 38 years, NRCCUA has conducted the largest nationwide survey of high school students, which serves as a communications link between college-bound high school students and public and private colleges and universities. For more information, visit www.nrccua.org.  

NRCCUA serves

• Nearly 5.5 million current high school students participating in our programs
• Over 2,200 colleges, universities and educational organizations actively participate; and
• 93.5% of public and private secondary  schools participate

Our specific goals are:

• To assist colleges and universities in identifying potential students who can benefit from higher education;
• To provide a communications link between professional admissions personnel, other educational and career service providers, and high school staff members responsible for student information and guidance;
• To provide information services to students and their families that will enable them to make better educational, occupational and financial aid decisions;
• To publish and disseminate research on student attitudes and opinions as they relate to higher educational opportunities;
• To cooperate with, and assist other information dissemination agencies, organizations, associations, and other educators, who support the total concept of our mission and purpose; and,
• To network with local, state and federal agencies who are responsible for creating student information systems that ultimately benefit students.

2)     Now what is this HACU organization and where is it located, and when was it established and who funds it and what does it do?

The Hispanic Association for Colleges and Universities (HACU), based in San Antonio, TX, is an association of more than 400 colleges and universities across the United States committed to advancing Hispanic higher education. Its membership also includes almost 50 institutions in Latin America, Spain and Portugal.  A primary aspect of HACU’s mission is to improve access to and the quality of post-secondary education opportunities for Hispanic students.  Since 2007 HACU has also been reaching out to the nation’s 2,000 Hispanic-serving school districts, where Hispanic students make up at least 25% of the K-12 enrollment. www.hacu.net

3)     Are there universities outside the U.S. involved ?

Yes; universities from Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, just to name a few.

4)     What is this partnership trying to accomplish?

This partnership will serve to help build a vital pipeline for Hispanic high school students’ access to higher education.

5)     Finding an appropriate college that matches a student’s needs seems to be problematic. What are you guys doing to help?

We created www.MyCollegeOptions.org

6)     What is this “My College Options“ thing all about?

My College Options is a free online college planning resource for students, families and high school educators. www.Mycollegeoptions.org.  It was designed by High School Guidance and College Admissions experts.  My College Options serves students, parent and educators with articles, tips and tools as an effective supplement to School Counselors and Educators.

The key features and benefits of the My College Option program are:

–     College Match Report

• Students connected with up to 15 college or universities based on their interests

–     Resource Center

• Articles, tips and trends to guide students through the planning process
• Topics cover: ACT and SAT test prep, Financial aid, Choosing a college and much more

–     Colleges Interested in Students

• List of all colleges that have expressed interest in a student

–     Favorites Manager

• Students can identify and store information on their favorite colleges

–     Monthly Newsletter

• Timely advice delivered to students with integrated to-do recommendations

–     Zero Hour Threat

• Free interactive game to prepare for ACT and SAT test

7)      Do you have a web site where people can get more information?

www.nrccua.org

www.mycollegeoptions.org

8)      What have I neglected to ask?

For more information contact:

Marybeth Kelly Asst. Vice President ,Educational Research, NRCCUA National Research Center for College & University Admissions
marybeth@nrccua.org p: 800.862.7759; f:  888.897.7835; d: 816.447.4630